KT Aboriginal Fine Art

Jewellery Materials & Care

At KT Aboriginal Fine Art, we want our customers to know exactly what they are wearing. Our jewellery combines artist-designed pieces with carefully selected metals, plating and beadwork.

This guide explains the materials used throughout our jewellery collection and how to care for them.

Pure Gold vs 18kt Gold

What is pure gold? ⌄

Pure gold is known as 24kt gold and contains approximately 99.9% gold.

Because pure gold is naturally soft, it is not always practical for everyday jewellery and is often mixed with other metals to improve strength and durability.

What is 18kt gold? ⌄

18kt gold contains 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% made from other metals.

What does 18kt gold plated mean? ⌄

18kt gold-plated jewellery is not solid 18kt gold.

Instead, a thin layer of 18kt gold is applied over another metal.

In our KT Journey Earrings:

  • Ear hooks: 925 sterling silver with 18kt gold plating
  • KT hoop and emblem: brass with 18kt gold plating
  • Jump rings and bead caps: brass with 18kt gold plating

The plating provides the appearance and finish of gold while allowing us to create larger statement jewellery pieces without the cost and weight of solid gold.

925 Sterling Silver vs Rhodium Plated

What is 925 sterling silver? ⌄

925 sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% generally consisting of other metals added for strength.

Our jewellery uses 925 sterling silver ear hooks.

What is rhodium plating? ⌄

Rhodium is a precious metal from the platinum family.

Rhodium plating is a thin layer applied over another metal to create a bright, reflective silver-white finish.

It can also provide additional surface protection against tarnishing and everyday wear.

Is rhodium-plated jewellery sterling silver? ⌄

Not necessarily.

The term rhodium plated describes the outer finish, not the metal underneath.

In our KT Journey Earrings:

  • Ear hooks: 925 sterling silver with rhodium plating
  • KT hoop and emblem: brass with rhodium plating
  • Jump rings and bead caps: brass with rhodium plating

Our KT Journey Materials

18kt Gold-Plated

Ear Hook
925 Sterling Silver with 18kt Gold Plating
KT Hoop & Emblem
Brass with 18kt Gold Plating
Jump Rings & Bead Caps
Brass with 18kt Gold Plating
Beads
Premium Acrylic

Rhodium-Plated

Ear Hook
925 Sterling Silver with Rhodium Plating
KT Hoop & Emblem
Brass with Rhodium Plating
Jump Rings & Bead Caps
Brass with Rhodium Plating
Beads
Premium Acrylic

Jewellery Care

To help protect the finish of your jewellery:

  • Remove before showering, swimming or entering saltwater.
  • Avoid direct contact with perfume, hairspray, lotions and cleaning products.
  • Remove jewellery before exercising or sleeping.
  • Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
  • Do not use abrasive jewellery cleaners.
  • Store pieces separately in a dry jewellery pouch.
  • Keep away from prolonged moisture and direct sunlight.

Plating is a surface finish and will naturally wear over time. This is normal for plated jewellery and is not considered a manufacturing fault. Proper care can help extend the life of the finish.